A daily quiet time journey as we search the scriptures and tell our story.
by Mark & Debbi Witt
August 1: God Knows the Path (Psalm 139:1–4)
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me.” Psalm 139:1
Charlie came into our ministry carrying a burden few people could see - poor self-esteem. Although he knew Christ as his Savior, he often struggled with feelings of inadequacy and wondered if God could really use him.
As Charlie served with the Teen Quest ministry team, God began to change his heart. His confidence grew, his faith deepened, and he rededicated his life to Christ. The young man who once doubted himself became someone who encouraged teens, prayed with them, and helped them grow in their faith.
Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows everything about us: our fears, hurts, doubts, and insecurities. Yet, He loves us completely. The God who knows every weakness in your life still calls you His child and has a purpose for you.
Charlie discovered that his value was not found in what he thought about himself, but in what God thought about him. That truth changed his life.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for knowing me completely and loving me unconditionally. Help me see myself through Your eyes and trust Your plan for my life.
Challenge:
Today, thank God for loving you just as you are and ask Him to help you see your value in Christ.
August 2: Wonderfully Made (Psalm 139:13-14)
Since 2001, volunteers have come to the Teen Quest Ranch to help build facilities that would impact young lives for Christ. For several years, I dreamed of building a dining hall that would allow us to serve more campers and ministries.
Then one day, Wayne Hawkins called out of the blue from a church in Shippensburg. He said they wanted to bring a team of men to help with a project the following summer. Without hesitation I replied, “Can you build a dining hall?”
What happened next was nothing short of God’s provision. Wayne brought his team, and then he kept coming back. In fact, he spent much of the next year helping complete the project. Through countless hours of labor, dedication, and skill, a beautiful dining hall was built that continues to serve hundreds of young people today.
Every time I walk through that building, I am reminded of an even greater Builder.
Wayne helped construct a dining hall, but God constructed you.
Before you took your first breath, God carefully formed you in your mother’s womb. He didn’t mass-produce you. He didn’t make a mistake. He designed every detail of your life with purpose and intention. The same God who hung the stars in the sky crafted you by His own hand.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are God’s workmanship, created for His glory and His purpose.
The question is not whether God has a purpose for your life. The question is whether you will discover it and live it. One day every building on earth will fade away. But the life God is building in you will last for eternity.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for creating me with purpose and design. Help me see myself through Your eyes and faithfully live the mission You have given me. Amen.
Challenge:
When a negative thought enters your mind today, replace it with this truth: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God.”
August 3: He Goes Before You (Psalm 139:5-10)
For many years at Teen Quest summer camps, one of the campers’ favorite activities was the Counselor Hunt. The counselors would scatter across the property and find the most creative hiding places imaginable. Then the campers had one hour to find them and earn points for their team.
Some counselors were masters at hiding. They squeezed into places no one would ever think to look. More than once, a counselor finished the game without being found. The campers searched everywhere, determined to find their favorite counselor.
As much fun as that game was, it reminds me of a powerful truth: while we may hide from people, we can never hide from God.
David wrote, “Where can I go from Your Spirit?” The answer is nowhere.
God is with us on the mountaintops and in the valleys. He is with us in moments of victory and in moments of failure. He is present when we are surrounded by friends and when we feel completely alone.
That truth should not make us fearful; it should fill our hearts with comfort.
There may be days when no one understands your struggles. There may be nights when tears fall and no one else knows. But God knows. He sees. He cares. His presence never leaves you.
And because He is always with us, we should desire to walk in a way that honors Him. The places we go, the things we watch, the words we speak, and the choices we make are never hidden from His loving eyes.
Today, rest in this truth: you are never abandoned, never forgotten, and never alone. The God who created you is walking beside you every step of the journey.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being with me wherever I go. Help me to live each day mindful of Your presence and comforted by Your constant love.
Challenge:
As you walk into a meeting, task, or conversation today, quietly whisper, “Lord, You are here with me.”
August 4: God’s Thoughts Toward You (139:17-18)
When David wrote Psalm 139, he knew he was far from perfect. He knew his failures, weaknesses, and sins better than anyone. Yet, he was overwhelmed by the realization that God knew everything about him and still loved him.
Many years ago, I came to a simple conclusion: there is nothing I can do to make God love me less because he loves me unconditionally.
I have a friend I have known for many years. Time after time he has disappointed me. Whenever I call him he talks about his dumb mistakes and he is always apologetic. Yet, despite the things that frustrate me, I still call him my friend, and I always will. True friendship stays through both the good times and the bad.
That is a small picture of God’s love for His children. God is not looking for reasons to reject us. He is not waiting for us to fail so He can condemn us. He is a loving Father who walks beside us, picks us up when we fall, and cheers us on as we grow in Him. He knows every flaw, every struggle, and every disappointment, and He still calls us His own.
The greatest evidence of His love is the cross. Jesus died for us while we were still sinners. If you have never trusted Christ as your Savior and Lord, do so today. You will discover God who desires to walk with you, guide you, and fill your life with His presence.
Like David, you can then say, “Precious are Your thoughts toward me, O God.”
You are not forgotten nor overlooked because you are always on God’s heart.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for loving me even though You know everything about me. Thank You for Your patience, grace, and friendship. Help me rest in the truth that I am always on Your heart.
Challenge:
When you feel unseen or forgotten today, quietly whisper, “God remembers me.”
August 5: Wisdom from Above (James 3:17)
“Heaven’s wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, and sincere.”
When we replaced our old trampoline at the Teen Quest Ranch, the new one was delivered and placed in the exact spot where the old one had been in the Extreme Recreational Barn.
As we began assembling it, we had a little difficulty figuring out which parts went where. Being a second-born, I thought we could just put it together and figure it out as we went.
But why make a lot of mistakes when the instructions were right there in the box?
Once we stopped and read the instructions, we quickly realized how much time, effort, and frustration we could have saved.
I talk with people all the time who are looking for help and advice from family and friends, yet they often forget to go to the Bible for answers.
God’s Word is full of wisdom if we will simply look for it.
We can gain knowledge and understanding through study and experience, but true wisdom comes from above.
God’s wisdom guides us in the right direction and leads to peace rather than chaos, clarity rather than confusion, and obedience rather than regret.
Prayer: Lord, give me Your wisdom in my decisions today.
Challenge: Before making an important decision, ask yourself, “Does this reflect the wisdom that comes from above?”
August 6: Wisdom Without Doubting (James 1:5–6)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
When I was a kid and found myself in a situation I could not solve, I would go to my dad for help. Many times his response was simple: “Pray about it.”
To be honest, that frustrated me. I wanted instant answers, not a lesson in waiting for God. I wanted someone to tell me exactly what to do.
Over the years, however, I have learned the wisdom of my father’s advice. God invites us to bring our questions, problems, and decisions to Him. He promises to give wisdom to those who ask in faith.
I define wisdom as looking at life from God’s point of view. In other words, asking, “What would God want me to do in this situation?”
To think as God thinks, we must know His Word. The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. As we spend time reading Scripture, praying, and meditating on God’s truth, we begin to understand His heart and His ways.
My wife can often tell what I am thinking just by looking at my expressions or watching my reactions. After years together, she knows me well. In a similar way, as we spend time with God through prayer and His Word, we begin to understand His mind and His perspective.
So make it your prayer today to ask God for wisdom. We do not need perfect faith or complete understanding. We simply need to come to Him daily and ask. He delights in giving wisdom to His children so they can make decisions that honor Him.
Prayer: God, I ask for wisdom today and choose to trust that You will guide my decisions according to Your will.
Challenge: Bring one confusing situation to God today. Ask Him specifically for wisdom and then seek His direction through prayer and His Word.
August 7: Life is short (James 4:13-15)
We do not control tomorrow, but tomorrow is in God’s hands.
I met Doug in college when he was an atheist. But God got hold of his heart, and the following summer he gave his life to Christ.
Over the years, he married a godly woman, attended Bible college, started a church, led his family to the Lord, and influenced many others to follow Christ.
Doug was diagnosed with a rare blood disease and eventually found himself in the hospital. When I visited him, he remained positive and full of faith, even though he knew his time on earth was likely drawing to a close.
His situation reminded me of my aunt. In the late 1970s, I sat beside her hospital bed as she spent her final days battling terminal cancer.
Neither Doug nor my aunt planned on becoming seriously ill. Life took a turn neither of them expected. And there was nothing I could say that would keep them alive. All I could do was pray and ask God to accomplish His will in their lives.
The truth is that none of us knows what tomorrow holds. We make plans, set goals, and look ahead, but ultimately our lives are in God’s hands.
We must allow the Lord to be in the driver’s seat of our lives. He will not force His way in. He allows us to take the wheel if we choose, but life is so much better when we surrender control to Him and trust Him to lead the way.
Wise planning always leaves room for God’s will to be accomplished, no matter the circumstances.
Prayer: Lord, I submit my plans to Your will. Help me trust You with my future and rest in Your perfect plan.
Challenge: As you think and talk about the future today, remember to add, “Lord willing,” and trust Him with tomorrow.
August 8: Faith That Acts (James 2:18- 20)
Real faith shows itself in action. Belief alone is not enough if it never changes the way we live.
My brother, a cousin, and I get together almost every week to play golf. We play on a small golf course where we can play 9 holes, ride in a golf cart, and even get a chocolate chip cookie for next to nothing.
We love the game, the fresh air, the golf cart rides, the challenge of hitting the ball where we want it to go - at least some of the time, the exercise, and the fellowship.
I think my brother loves golf even more than I do. He practices regularly, watches golf videos, and talks about golf all the time. There is no doubt that he is a golfer.
I have other cousins who say they are golfers, but they have only played once or twice. They never talk about golf, never practice, and probably do not even know where their clubs are. When I bring up golf, I get a blank stare. They may claim to be golfers, but there is little evidence to support it.
That reminds me of some people who claim to be believers, yet show little interest in spiritual things. They rarely attend church, seldom read the Bible, and seem uninterested when the conversation turns to God. There is little evidence of spiritual fruit in their lives.
Of course, we are not saved by our works. Salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. But genuine faith produces a changed life. Good works do not save us, but they reveal that our faith is alive.
As James wrote, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). Our works do not save us, but they reveal the reality of a living faith.
Prayer: Lord, let my faith be grounded in Your Word and demonstrated by my actions. Help others see Christ in the way I live.
Challenge: Do one act of obedience today that you have been postponing and trust God with the results.
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August 9: Taming the Tongue (James 3:8 -10)
When I was a kid, my parents took me to see the movie Bambi. In that movie, Thumper’s mother said, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say nothing at all.” I have never forgotten those words. While they are not found in the Bible, they contain a simple truth that reflects God’s desire for how we should use our speech.
God never intended for us to use our tongues to curse others, spread gossip, or tear people down. People who swear never use other religious names but only God or Jesus. God’s name should be spoken with reverence, not used carelessly or disrespectfully.
Cassie is one of my favorite horses at the Teen Quest Ranch. She has a mind of her own and can be stubborn at times. Yet when a bit is placed in her mouth and an experienced rider takes the reins, she becomes calm, responsive, and a wonderful horse to ride. The bit is small compared to the size of the horse, but it gives direction and control.
James uses a similar illustration when he compares the tongue to a bit in a horse’s mouth. Though the tongue is a small part of the body, it has the power to direct the course of our lives. The Bible says that no man can tame the tongue completely, but God can. When we surrender our hearts to Him and allow His Holy Spirit to guide us, He helps us control our speech.
That is why the psalmist prayed, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
Our tongues should be used to encourage others, praise the Lord, speak truth, and show kindness to those around us. As we spend time in God’s Word and grow in our relationship with Him, our speech will begin to reflect His character.
If you struggle with your tongue, don’t just try harder. Go to the Lord, spend time in His Word, and ask Him to help you speak words that bring honor to Him and blessing to others.
Prayer:
Lord, set a guard over my mouth today. Help me to use my words to encourage others, honor You, and bring life wherever I go. Amen.
Challenge:
If you speak harshly to someone today, apologize quickly and replace those words with words of encouragement.
August 10: Humbling Yourself (1 Peter 5:6)
When we moved to the Teen Quest Ranch in 2001, I was in my early fifties. I had learned the value of hard work as a kid and building the Ranch seemed like a challenge I was ready to tackle. I thought I could do almost anything. I could carry heavy loads, work long hours, and push through any obstacle that stood in my way. After all, I had a ranch to build so thousands of teens could come and hear about Jesus.
As the Ranch was being built, I spent years lifting lumber, moving equipment, and carrying heavy materials. I rarely stopped to think about my limitations. Then one day, all that lifting caught up with me. I found myself in the hospital facing double hernia surgery, an overnight stay, and several weeks of recovery.
Lying in my hospital bed, I realized that I wasn’t as strong or as unstoppable as I thought. God used that experience to remind me that His work is not accomplished by my strength alone. He humbled me and taught me to depend more fully on Him.
Over the years, I have come to understand my limitations, but my vision for reaching teens has never changed. The difference is that I no longer see the ministry as something I can accomplish through my own strength. The Teen Quest Ranch was dedicated to God from the beginning, and He remains the source of its provision, purpose, and impact.
Today, I can honestly say that God built the Teen Quest Ranch. I simply had the privilege of playing a small role in His much larger plan.
Humility is recognizing our dependence on God. It is surrendering every area of life to Him and giving Him the credit for what He has done. Humility trusts God’s strength instead of its own and waits on His timing rather than forcing its own way.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to rest under Your mighty hand. Help me depend on You and give You the honor for everything You accomplish in my life. Amen.
Challenge:
Yield your need to be right in one conversation today and trust God to work in His timing.
August 11: Under His Wings (Psalm 91:1- 4)
For years, we set up a forty-foot tent each summer at the Teen Quest Ranch to provide extra meeting space for campers. Erecting it required several people, with a large center pole and numerous side posts supporting the structure.
We used that tent almost every day throughout the summer. Whenever strong winds came, we had to tighten the stakes and secure the ropes to keep it standing. One year, we left it up until October but had to take it down quickly before an early snowstorm arrived.
The last time we used the tent was in 2001 when a microburst swept through the Ranch and ripped it into shreds. Furnishings and equipment inside were tossed about, and some were damaged. It was frustrating to lose the tent so suddenly after it had served us so well for many years.
Today, on the very spot where that tent once stood, there is a beautiful pavilion. Unlike the tent, the pavilion stands year-round, providing dependable shelter in every season. What was once a temporary structure has been replaced by something far stronger and more permanent.
This contrast brings to mind the promise of Psalm 91: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” God is our true refuge. He watches over us and carries us through the storms of life. While His protection does not mean we will never face hardship, it does mean we never face it alone.
So how do we dwell in the shelter of the Most High? We do so by spending time with Him in prayer, reading the Bible, trusting His promises, and walking in obedience. As we draw closer to God, we experience the peace, strength, and security that comes from resting in His presence.
Just as the pavilion provides a more reliable shelter than the old tent ever could, God offers a refuge that never fails. The storms of life will come, but those who make their home in Him can rest confidently in His unfailing care.
Prayer:
Lord, be my hiding place and protection. Help me stay close to You and trust You in every storm of life. Amen.
Challenge:
When worry hits today, picture yourself under God’s wings and whisper a simple prayer of trust.
August 12: Protected in Trouble (Psalm 91:9 -11)
Years ago, we held summer camps at Laurel Hill State Park where the bathrooms were located in a shower house in the middle of the campground. If campers needed to use the restroom at night, they had to leave their cabins.
Some campers used this as an opportunity to wander into other cabins, play pranks, or create disturbances. To solve the problem, we assigned a night watchman to patrol the camp and make sure everyone stayed where they belonged.
Once the night watchman took over, the problems nearly disappeared. Campers knew someone was watching over them.
Psalm 91:11 says, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Just as our night watchman watched over the camp, God has angels who carry out His purposes and watch over His children.
We see this throughout Scripture. God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions and protect Daniel (Daniel 6:22). He also sent an angel to free Peter from prison (Acts 12:7-11).
Many times, we have no idea how God has protected us. Perhaps it was an accident avoided, a fall prevented, or a dangerous situation from which He quietly delivered us. While God never promises a trouble-free life, He does promise His presence and care.
When fear comes, remember that you are never alone. The God who commands the angels is watching over you.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for watching over my life and protecting me in ways I cannot see.
Challenge:
Pray Psalm 91 over your family and loved ones today.
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August 13: Satisfying Us With Long Life (Psalm 91:14- 16)
Melvin and Betts Fletcher never had but he loved kids. Melvin lived many years after his wife passed away. Melvin loved Teen Quest and came to see the progress of the Ranch many times as we were building the it.
When we were about to build the sewage treatment plant on our Ranch property we needed $20,000 initially to purchase the parts to it. Melvin made that donation.
Instead of placing his name on the sewage plant we decided to name our main hall after his family. Today, it is called Fletcher Hall. Thousands of students have heard the gospel in that hall since 2006.
Melvin lived to 102 but died from pneumonia after cracking a rib when he fell in his bathroom. He spent a few days in a nursing home. The night of his death he had just finished watching the Pittsburgh Pirates win on TV.
He loved the Lord, was active in church and had an intimate relationship with the Lord. God blessed him with a long life so he could bless others.
God may allow you to live a long life to bless others or he may take you home to enjoy the greatness of his glory in heaven. Either way let's claim this great passage of scripture.
God promises presence, rescue, and salvation to those who love Him. Satisfaction in life is found in Him, not in the years you live.
Prayer:
Lord, let my life be satisfied in knowing You.
Challenge:
Thank God for the years He has already given you.
August 14: Be Steadfast Under Trial (James 1:12)
There are several crowns believers may receive one day and lay at the feet of Jesus. These include the imperishable crown, the crown of rejoicing, the crown of righteousness, the crown of glory, and the crown of life. In Revelation 4:10-11, we see believers casting their crowns before the throne, recognizing that all honor and glory belong to Christ.
The crown of life is promised to those who persevere through trials, suffering, temptation, and persecution. God does not reward those who never face difficulties; He rewards those who remain faithful in the midst of them.
When we took our mission team to China in 2019, some missionaries involved in the underground church shared stories of persecution.
Yet despite the opposition, the church in China continues to grow and many people are placing their faith in Christ. One missionary told me about a church whose members were arrested and government authorities burned their building.
In many parts of the world today, Christians face greater persecution than ever before. While most of us may never be imprisoned for our faith, we all face trials, health problems, financial struggles, family difficulties, disappointments, and spiritual battles.
James tells us to remain steadfast. That means we do not abandon our faith when life becomes difficult. God never promises to remove every trouble, but He does promise His presence and peace in the middle of them.
Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
Peace is not the absence of problems; it is the presence of God. One day, those who remain faithful will receive the crown of life and gladly lay it at the feet of the Savior who carried them through every trial.
Prayer:
Lord, help me stand firm in my trials and tribulations.
Challenge:
Write down one current trial and ask God to give you endurance rather than a way of escape
August 15: God Gives More Grace (James 4:6)
A group of students from a large church once came to the Ranch for a retreat. At the time, iPods were extremely popular, and several students reported that theirs had gone missing. The youth leader was understandably upset and contacted the police to find out who had taken them. Despite interviews and repeated questions, no one admitted to anything, and no one seemed to know what had happened.
If the student responsible had come forward immediately and confessed, we would have extended grace and worked through the situation with him. Instead, he chose to remain silent. Although the police were unable to identify the culprit, after reflecting on the events for several days, I became convinced it was a student volunteer whom none of us had suspected.
Because he did not come clean when he had the chance, the consequences grew much more serious. Eventually, he had to face the police and answer for his actions. When the private school he attended learned about the incident, he was suspended.
The lesson for me was clear. Every day, we do things that are not pleasing to God. When we humbly confess our sins and come before Him honestly, He offers grace (His undeserved favor) and helps us move forward. But when we try to hide our sin, pride often causes the consequences to become far greater than they need to be.
Where pride closes the door, humility opens it to even more grace. God delights in pouring out His grace on those who humble themselves and acknowledge their need for Him.
Prayer:
Father, I need Your grace every day. Help me to walk humbly before You and quickly confess my sins when I fail.
Challenge:
Admit to God one area where you have been proud or self-reliant, and ask Him for His grace and help.
August 16: Draw Near and Cleanse (James 4:8)
When James wrote this letter, people did not have smartphones or instant access to the temptations that surround us today. Yet his words are more relevant than ever. Studies show that three out of four teens will encounter online pornography before reaching adulthood, and more than half are exposed by age 13.
My oldest son and his wife have chosen not to allow our granddaughter to have a smartphone because of the influence it can have on young minds. Some of their friends are surprised and ask how they can go against such strong peer pressure. Their answer is simple: they lovingly said “no” and explained why. Sometimes drawing near to God means making difficult choices that protect our hearts and honor Him.
James tells us to “cleanse our hands.” In other words, remove the things that tempt us to sin. If someone struggles with gambling, they should stay away from casinos. If someone struggles with alcohol, they should avoid bars. Wisdom recognizes temptation and chooses a different path.
But James doesn’t stop there. He also says to “purify your hearts.” We can avoid temptation on the outside and still struggle on the inside. Only God can cleanse the heart. When we humbly confess our sins, He forgives us and begins changing our desires (1 John 1:9). The Christian life is not merely about avoiding sin; it is about becoming more like Christ.
The closer we draw to God, the more clearly we see the things that need to change. The wonderful promise of James 4:8 is that when we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. He never turns away a humble heart that seeks Him.
Prayer:
Father, help me draw near to You today. Cleanse my hands from sinful actions and purify my heart from sinful desires. Make me more like Jesus.
Challenge:
Ask God to reveal one area of temptation in your life. Take one practical step to avoid it, and then ask Him to transform your heart from the inside out.
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August 17: The Lord Our Shepherd-King (Ezekiel 34:11-12)
The book of Ezekiel was written shortly after the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and carried many Jews into captivity. The people were confused, discouraged, and wondering what had gone wrong. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God revealed that many of Israel’s leaders had failed to care for His people.
In many ways, our culture is failing today’s children. Social media tells them how to dress, how to think, and often teaches that right is wrong and wrong is right. Temptation is placed before them every day. Too often, they are left without the guidance and truth they desperately need.
Leroy spent much of his childhood in foster care, moving from place to place without stability or direction. Like a sheep without a shepherd, he needed someone to care for him. During his teen years, a godly couple took him into their home and adopted him. More importantly, Leroy gave his life to Christ, the Good Shepherd. Today he serves as an intern at the Teen Quest Ranch, and is learning to lead and helping younger kids who come from difficult situations.
Leroy’s story reminds us that God still seeks the lost, heals the broken, and gives hope to those who feel forgotten. Perhaps there was a time when you felt lost, wounded, or abandoned. Maybe you are carrying a burden today that no one else sees. The good news of Ezekiel 34 is that God knows exactly where you are. He has not forgotten you. He sees your struggles, understands your hurts, and lovingly calls you to follow Him.
As followers of Christ, we are also called to reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd. Look around you. Is there someone who is hurting, discouraged, or wandering from God? Just as God pursued you, He may be asking you to reach out to them with His love and truth.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for seeking me when I was lost and caring for me when I was weak. Help me trust Your care and show Your compassion to others.
Challenge:
Ask God to bring one hurting or wandering person to your mind today. Pray for them and find a practical way to encourage them this week.
August 18: A New Heart and Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26 - 27)
The first successful human heart transplant took place on December 3, 1967, in Cape Town, South Africa. Today, thousands of heart transplants are performed around the world each year. When a person’s heart is failing, doctors remove the old heart and replace it with a new one using the proper tools, medicine, and expertise.
In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises something even greater:
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”
God is not talking about a physical heart transplant. He is talking about a changed life. The heart is the center of who we are, our desires, thoughts, and motivations. When God gives us a new heart, He changes us from the inside out.
I gave my life to Christ as a child and later made sure of my salvation while walking across my college campus. God gave me a new heart. He called me to reach young people with the Gospel, and for more than fifty years Debbi and I have been missionaries to teens as we see lives transformed by the power of Christ.
The Christian life is not simply trying harder or keeping a list of rules. It is allowing God to change our hearts. Before coming to Christ, we naturally follow our own desires. After receiving a new heart, our desires begin to change. We start loving what God loves and wanting to obey Him.
Sometimes Christians become frustrated because they want the world to act like Christians. But people cannot live like followers of Christ until they first experience the transforming power of Christ. A changed life begins with a changed heart.
No matter what you have done or how far you have wandered, God can give you a new heart. He specializes in transforming lives that seem beyond repair. Through faith in Christ, He can make you a new person and place His Spirit within you.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving me a new heart and Your Spirit. Continue to change me from the inside out so that my life reflects You.
Challenge:
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you obey God in one area that has been difficult. Trust Him to give you both the desire and the strength to do what is right.
August 19: The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37: 3- 5)
Since moving to the Ranch, we have always had horses on the property. We have an agreement with a local farmer who plants our corn maze and provides hay for our horses. In return, he uses some of our extra fields for his own crops. With so much acreage available, we have never worried much about having enough hay.
Then two years ago, a severe drought hit our area. Week after week, the rain never came. The fields turned brown, the grass stopped growing, and our hay production dropped dramatically. We struggled to harvest enough hay for our horses and eventually had to purchase hay from another farmer. It bothered me because we had plenty of land, but without rain the fields could produce nothing. There was simply nothing we could do. We cannot control the weather.
That drought reminds me of Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones. Israel was living in exile in Babylon, feeling defeated, hopeless, and cut off from God’s promises. They saw no future and no possibility of restoration. Like dry bones scattered across a valley floor, they were powerless to help themselves. Yet God asked Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” Humanly speaking, the answer seemed impossible. But God breathed life into those bones and used the vision to show Israel that He would restore them and bring them home again.The same is true for us spiritually.
Apart from Christ, we are like those dry bones, dead in our sins and unable to save ourselves. But Jesus came to rescue us from our lost condition. Through His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit, God gives us new life, forgives our sins, and restores our relationship with Him.
Perhaps there is an area of your life that feels dry today. Maybe it is your faith, a relationship, a ministry, or a burden you have carried for a long time. Remember that the God who brought life to a valley of dry bones is still at work today. What seems impossible to us is never impossible for Him. When we trust Him and stay rooted in His Word, He can bring hope, renewal, and life where there once seemed to be none.
Prayer:
God, breathe life into the dry places of my life. Help me trust You, stay in Your Word, and depend on the power of Your Spirit each day.
Challenge:
Identify one “dry bone” area in your life and ask God this week to bring His life, hope, and renewal to it.
August 20: God’s Is Slow To Anger (Psalm 86:15)
Have you ever been really angry? I remember saving up for a piece of equipment that cost $7,000. It was advertised on a reputable website, and everything seemed legitimate. I rarely pay for anything in full before receiving it, but the seller insisted that because of shipping requirements I had to send a wire transfer for the full amount.
I made the payment and was told the equipment would arrive on Monday. Monday came and went with no delivery. By Wednesday, I tried calling the seller, but he hung up on me. At that moment, I knew I had been scammed. I contacted the state police, but there was little they could do. Later, I learned the scam artist was operating from another country.
My heart was filled with anger for the thief who had deceived me and anger at myself for falling for the scam.
Psalm 86 reminds us that God is compassionate, gracious, and overflowing with love. But it also reminds us that while God is slow to anger, He does get angry. His anger is never sinful or out of control. It is a righteous response to sin, rebellion, and injustice.
Throughout Scripture we see examples of God’s anger: when Israel worshiped the golden calf (Exodus 32:10), when Moses repeatedly resisted His call (Exodus 4:14), at Israel’s unbelief (Numbers 14:11), at King Saul’s disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23), when Jesus confronted hard-hearted religious leaders (Mark 3:5), when He cleansed the temple (John 2:13-17), and against all ungodliness and unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).
The truth is that every one of us has sinned against God. We have all said things we shouldn’t have said, done things we shouldn’t have done, and failed to do things we should have done. God is holy and cannot ignore sin.
Yet because He is compassionate and gracious, He patiently calls us to repentance.
God will not put up with sin forever, but He is faithful to forgive those who turn to Him. Even though His anger is real, His mercy is greater for those who repent and place their faith in Christ. Have you trusted him today?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being patient and merciful with me when I fail You. Help me to turn from my sin and trust in Your unfailing love.
Challenge:
Think about how patient God has been with you. Then extend that same patience, grace, and forgiveness to someone else today.
August 21: The Lord Is My Portion (Psalm 73:25- 26)
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
I have to be honest and say that we have worked hard for many years to build the Teen Quest Ranch. We have poured blood, sweat, tears, prayers, and countless hours into buildings, programs, and promoting what we do for the cause of Christ.
At times, Satan would whisper in my ear about how other camps in the tri‐state area had nicer facilities, swimming pools, beautiful modern motel‐style buildings, and many other amenities. I would find myself asking, “Lord, we have a nice Ranch, but why can’t we have a bigger and better facility?”
Then God reminded me of the truth found in Psalm 73, that the Lord Himself is my portion. We need to be grateful and satisfied with what God has provided rather than constantly comparing ourselves to others.
In Psalm 73, Asaph, one of King David’s chief musicians and prophets, struggled with the same issue. He looked around and saw the wicked enjoying health, prosperity, influence, and success. He became discouraged and even questioned whether it was worth serving God. But everything changed when he entered God’s presence. There he gained an eternal perspective and realized that life on this earth is temporary.
The greatest treasure we can possess is not wealth, success, or possessions, it is the Lord Himself.
When we have the Lord, we have everything we truly need. Our strength comes from Him, and we must never forget it.
Prayer:
Be my strength and my portion, O Lord.
Challenge:
When you feel others are blessed more than you, stop and tell God, “You are my portion, and You are enough.”
August 22: God Is My Refuge (Psalm 73:28)
Several years ago, a microburst struck the Teen Quest Ranch while I was in the barn with a group of kids. The wind was so powerful that we watched the large barn doors bow in and out like something from a cartoon. It was a frightening moment. We could have gone to the basement, but there wasn’t enough time. All we could do was pray and trust God.
Ten minutes later, the storm was over. When we stepped outside, we found debris scattered everywhere. A huge tree in front of the Ranch House had fallen between several vehicles and narrowly missed the house. By God’s grace, no one was hurt. That day, the barn became our refuge, our safe place in the middle of the storm.
Years later, during another severe storm, my grandson Jaxon called to tell me that the winds were reaching 85 miles per hour with heavy rain and hail. I told him, “Stay inside. Stay in your safe place.” Once again, trees were damaged, but no one was injured.
Asaph, the musician and writer of this chapter, understood the importance of a refuge. After struggling with questions about life and seeing the prosperity of the wicked, he came to this conclusion: “I have made the Lord God my refuge.”
Life brings storms that are far more dangerous than wind and rain. Sometimes it’s a health crisis, a struggling marriage, financial pressure, the loss of a loved one, or uncertainty about the future. In those moments, we need more than a shelter made of wood and steel. We need a refuge for our hearts.
The safest place in any storm is in the presence of the Lord. The storm may still rage around you, but when you draw near to Him, you will find peace, strength, and security.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being my refuge and my safe place. Help me to trust You when the storms of life come and to find my security in Your presence.
Challenge:
Spend a few extra minutes in God’s presence today with no agenda and no requests. Simply draw near to Him and rest in the safety of His love.
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August 23: The Lord Fights for You (Exodus 14:13- 14)
God tells Israel to stand firm and see His salvation. Sometimes faith means standing still and trusting God to do what only He can do.
A number of years ago I was accused by the state police of not reporting a rumor that I had heard months after an alleged incident took place. Because I had shared what I heard with my son, he was also drawn into the situation. It was complicated, confusing, and deeply painful for our family.
To put it bluntly, it was one of the biggest nightmares of my life.
For eighteen months, we lived under a cloud of stress, uncertainty, and heartache. I wanted answers, and I wanted the situation resolved. Yet during that difficult season, God continually brought me back to one verse.
I even taped it to my refrigerator where I could see it every day:
“The Lord will fight for you, and you and you have only to be silent”
Those words were first spoken when the children of Israel found themselves trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. Behind them was a powerful enemy. In front of them was an impossible obstacle. The people panicked, but Moses stood firm and declared, “Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”
The Israelites could not defeat Pharaoh’s army or part the Red Sea. God had to intervene, and He did. He parted the waters, His people crossed on dry ground, and the army that threatened them was destroyed.
During those eighteen months, I learned an important lesson. When you are backed up against the wall and there is nothing you can do, trust God and let Him fight for you. Refuse to panic. Refuse to lose faith. Stand firm and believe that God is still in control even when life seems unfair.
The same God who fought for Israel is still fighting for His people today.
Prayer:
Lord, fight the battles I cannot fight. Give me the faith to stand firm and trust You completely.
Challenge:
In one conflict or struggle you are facing today, choose prayer over panic and trust God to work on your behalf.
August 24: Daily Bread (Matthew 6:11)
There is a bakery near Somerset that makes fresh homemade bread. It costs a little more, but it is some of the best bread I have ever tasted.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” While God certainly provides for our physical needs, He also provides spiritual nourishment through His Word. The Bible is our daily bread for the soul. Yet how can we ask God for daily bread if we are unwilling to open His Word and spend time with Him each day?
Throughout our camps and retreats, I have challenged thousands of young people to develop a daily quiet time with God. More than 2,000 students have committed to spending time in God’s Word and prayer. Our prayer is that if they develop this habit while they are young, it will become a lifelong discipline that shapes their faith for years to come.
When I meet with students, I encourage them to follow four simple steps:
- Commit to meeting with God every day.
- Use a devotional tool that is firmly grounded in Scripture.
- Find a quiet place where you can focus on God.
- Have an accountability partner who can help you stay faithful.
We live in a generation with more access to God’s Word than any generation in history. Most of us carry a Bible, devotionals, sermons, and worship music right in our pockets on our smart phones.
Are you faithfully feeding your soul each day? Are you spending time with God in prayer, reading His Word, and meditating on what He is teaching you?
Nothing will strengthen your walk with Christ more than a consistent daily time with Him. This is the true daily bread that sustains us, guides us, and gives us strength for every challenge we face.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for providing both physical and spiritual bread. Give me a hunger for Your Word and help me make time with You a daily priority.
Challenge:
Set aside at least 15 minutes today to read God’s Word and pray. If you do not already have a daily quiet time, start one today and ask someone to hold you accountable.
August 25: Forgive as We Are Forgiven (Matthew 6:12-15)
The word sin means “to miss the mark.” It is failing to meet God’s standard in our thoughts, words, or actions. A trespass goes a step further. It is a willful violation of God’s law. Adam and Eve knew they were not to eat the forbidden fruit, yet they chose to do it anyway. They didn’t simply miss the mark, they knowingly crossed the line.
I have been in enough churches to know there is no such thing as a perfect church. Wherever people gather, there will be disagreements, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings. Sadly, some conflicts become battles between men and women who are supposed to be examples of Christ. The division becomes so deep that people leave one church only to carry the same bitterness into another.
One of the greatest contradictions in the Christian life is expecting God to forgive us while refusing to forgive someone who has hurt us. We want mercy for our sins and trespasses, yet we withhold mercy from others. Jesus taught that if we are unwilling to forgive, our fellowship with God will be hindered. An unforgiving spirit hardens the heart and robs us of the peace God desires for us.
Whether we sin by missing the mark or trespass by knowingly disobeying, God is willing to forgive when we come to Him with a repentant heart. But if we are holding a grudge, nursing bitterness, or refusing to forgive, God is calling us to deal with that first.
Is there someone you simply cannot forgive? Ask the Lord to soften your heart. Release that person to Him. Forgiveness does not excuse the wrong that was done, but it frees you from the prison of bitterness and restores a clear conscience before God.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for forgiving my sins and trespasses. Help me to extend that same forgiveness to others. Soften my heart and remove any bitterness that keeps me from walking closely with You.
Challenge:
Ask God to reveal anyone you have not fully forgiven. Pray for that person today and take one step toward releasing the hurt to God.
August 26: Treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19- 21)
In 2014 we purchased a brand-new tractor for the Teen Quest Ranch. We use it to move dirt, plow snow, drill post holes, haul materials, and even pull hayrides. Over the years that tractor has been one of the most valuable tools at the Ranch.
We do our best to keep it clean, serviced, and in good working condition because it helps us accomplish so much ministry.
But the truth is that tractor is getting older. Every year it has a little more wear and tear. One day it will break down for the last time and have little or no value. No matter how well we take care of it, it will not last forever.
That is true of everything we own. Houses age, cars wear out, technology becomes obsolete, and possessions eventually lose their value. Yet many people spend their entire lives accumulating things while giving little thought to eternity. Jesus warned against making earthly possessions our priority. Instead, He told us to lay up treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust can destroy and where thieves cannot steal.
The greatest investments are not the things we can hold in our hands but the things that have eternal value, sharing the gospel, serving others, giving generously, praying faithfully, and helping people grow in their relationship with Christ. Those are treasures that will last forever.
The old chorus says, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through; my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” Those words remind us that our real home is in heaven. We are only temporary residents here on earth.
So where is your treasure today? Is your heart wrapped up in things that will one day pass away, or is it focused on the eternal things that matter most to God?
Prayer:
God, turn my heart toward eternal treasures.
Challenge:
Do one generous act today that only heaven sees.
August 27: The Eye as a Lamp (Matthew 6:22- 23)
Every summer, scores of teens join our mission trips to Johnstown, Pennsylvania. We begin our journey at the Teen Quest Ranch and then head into some of the toughest neighborhoods in the city. Our teams clear brush, paint homes, clean abandoned buildings, and tackle many other projects that help people in need.
Most of the students work hard, serve joyfully, and make the best of every situation. They come home tired, dirty, and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. But every once in a while, there is a student who chooses a different attitude. He complains about the heat, the hard work, the long hours, and the dirt. He is too tired, too uncomfortable, or too inconvenienced. No matter what happens, nothing seems to satisfy him.
The truth is, no one enjoys being around a complainer. Why is it that two people can experience the exact same circumstances and yet respond so differently? One sees opportunities and blessings, while the other sees only problems. The difference is often found in what they choose to focus on.
The Bible says, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). When Christ changes our hearts, He also changes our perspective. Instead of dwelling on what is wrong, we begin to see what God is doing. Instead of focusing on discomfort and inconvenience, we focus on serving others and bringing glory to Him.
What we focus on will change our attitude and fill our hearts with either light or darkness. A grateful heart will see God’s blessings even in difficult circumstances. A complaining person can miss God’s blessings altogether.
Prayer:
Lord, help me focus on what is true, good, and pleasing to You. Fill my heart with gratitude and keep me from a spirit of complaining.
Challenge:
Turn off or skip one negative or unhelpful media input today and spend that time reading God’s Word instead.
August 28: You Cannot Serve Two Masters (Matthew 6:24)
When we first moved to the Ranch back in 2001, a wealthy man decided to give us a $2,000 loan to help us start building. We were grateful for his willingness to help. However, only a month later he came back and wanted the entire $2,000 repaid because he was afraid he would never get his money back.
When I sat down with this gentleman, he shared two of his greatest fears. First, he was afraid someone would take his money away from him. Second, he was afraid people would only be his friend because he had money.
I remember thinking how sad it was that a man with so much wealth lived with so much fear. Instead of enjoying the blessings God had given him, he was constantly worried about losing them.
He claimed to be a Christian and wanted to live by faith, but his money had become too important to him. His possessions were controlling his thoughts, emotions, and decisions. Jesus warned about this very thing when He said, “No man can serve two masters.” Eventually, either God will be first in our lives or money will be.
The Bible does not say money is evil. Money can be used for great good. But it does say, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). When our trust is in money rather than God, we have made money our master.
Are you in love with money or the things money can buy? There is nothing wrong with owning possessions, but there is something wrong when possessions own us. Confess any sin of materialism and surrender every area of your life to the Lord today. Let God be your Master and trust Him to provide for your needs.
Prayer:
Lord, be my only Master.
Challenge:
Evaluate one financial decision you are facing and ask yourself, “Am I doing this to honor Christ or to satisfy my desire for more things?”
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August 29: God will take care of you. (Matthew 6:26–27)
About 43 percent of adults say stress has caused them to lie awake at night at least once during the previous month. Worry can lead to digestive problems, fatigue, headaches, heart issues, and mental health struggles.
Two years ago on Thanksgiving, our house was full of family and friends. My granddaughter and her friends were having the time of their lives.
Unfortunately, that morning I became violently ill and spent the next three days throwing up. By Sunday, I finally began to feel better, but my watch alerted me that my heart rate was racing. We rushed to the emergency room where the doctors determined I was severely dehydrated. They admitted me overnight, even though my heart rate had settled down and I was already feeling much better.
I remember thinking, At least I’ll finally get a good night’s sleep especially when I am not feeling well I will not have to worry about anything because the nurses will take care of me. I had forgotten what a hospital is really like! Every hour someone came into my room to check my blood pressure, temperature etc. There went my “good night’s rest.”
That experience reminded me that true rest isn’t found in a quiet room or even in a hospital bed but real rest is found in trusting God.
The Bible tells us not to be anxious about anything but to trust the Lord completely. That doesn’t mean we ignore our responsibilities. It means we place our burdens into His hands, knowing He is in control.
Are you living with worry and stress? Are anxious thoughts stealing your sleep? Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6. If your heavenly Father faithfully feeds the birds of the air, how much more will He take care of you?
Prayer:
Father, help me stop worrying and trust completely in Your loving care. Teach me to rest in You, knowing You will always take care of me.
Challenge:
Today when you catch yourself worry8ing stop immediately and turn that worry into a prayer and give it over to the Lord.
August 30: Don’t worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34)
Many of us spend far too much time worrying about tomorrow. We wonder what the future holds, how we’ll pay the bills, or whether everything will work out. Yet Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:34 not to worry about tomorrow because each day has enough trouble of its own.
When we began Teen Quest in 1976, we started with nothing more than a dream and a prayer. We believed God had called us to reach young people from the Pittsburgh Area and beyond. To launch the ministry, we had to trust Him not only for ministry expenses but also for our own personal support.
Over the years, there have been many difficult seasons. There were times when we simply didn’t know how we were going to pay our bills. I’ll be honest. I worried and wondered how we could continue if God didn’t provide.
But every financial crisis taught us the same lesson. Instead of allowing worry to stop us, God prompted us to pray and then take wise, practical steps toward financial stability. Time after time God faithfully supplied what we needed.
I learned that worry accomplishes nothing, but prayer combined with obedient action changes everything.
When our ministry first began, we trusted God to provide five or ten dollars. Today, we trust Him for five or ten thousand dollars. The amount has changed, but the Source has not. God has always been faithful.
Whatever you’re facing today, don’t let tomorrow’s fears steal today’s peace. Trust God with your future, take the next faithful step, and leave the results in His hands. His grace is sufficient for today, and He will be there when tomorrow comes.
Prayer:
Lord, help me live in today’s grace instead of tomorrow’s fears. Teach me to trust You, take the next step in faith, and leave the future in Your hands.
Challenge:
Identify one thing you’ve been worrying about. Pray about it, then ask yourself, “What faithful step can I take today?” Do that one thing, and trust God to handle tomorrow.
August 31: Your Will, Not mine (Luke 22:41- 42)
Over the years, we have taken teens on mission trips to Germany, Jamaica, Costa Rica, China, Canada, Mexico, England, and across the United States. Some trips were led by our staff, while others were led by trusted adults who had a passion for helping young people serve Christ.
One year, we asked my cousins, Greg and Bethann, to lead a large team to Jamaica. A few months before the trip, Debbi and I flew there to make all the arrangements. We met with ministry leaders, visited the schools, and left believing everything was ready.
When the team arrived, everything seemed to fall apart. The schools forgot we were coming and schedule and transportation became a challenge.
Then one of our teen missionaries, Chase, developed appendicitis and had to be rushed to a hospital in Kingston. The conditions were unlike anything we had experienced. Chickens wandered the hallways, medical supplies were limited, and getting Chase back to the United States for surgery seemed almost impossible.
Nothing about that trip went according to our plans. Yet that difficult week taught us one of the greatest lessons in ministry. When our plans fail, God’s plans never do. Every obstacle forced us to depend on Him in ways we never would have if everything had gone smoothly. God provided transportation, opened doors, protected the team, and eventually brought Chase safely home. Today, Chase is serving the Lord as a full-time pastor.
Jesus faced His greatest trial in the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing how future suffering He prayed, “Father… not My will, but Yours be done.”
Following God’s will doesn’t guarantee an easy path. It means trusting that His plans are better than ours, even when we don’t understand them. Often, God accomplishes His greatest work when our carefully made plans fall apart and we have no choice but to depend completely on Him.
Prayer:
Father, teach me to pray, “Your will, not mine,” and truly mean it. Help me trust You when life doesn’t go according to my plans.
Challenge:
Think of one situation that hasn’t turned out the way you hoped. Today, surrender it to God and sincerely pray, “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.”
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Quest For The Journey - July Devotions